TLDR: Hong Kong-based FWD Group has officially inaugurated its new AI Lab in Singapore, marking a significant strategic move to accelerate innovation in the insurance sector through advanced artificial intelligence and data science. The lab, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, aims to develop hundreds of AI models and PhD-level agentic AI systems by 2027.
FWD Group Holdings Limited, the prominent Hong Kong-based insurer, has announced the establishment of its cutting-edge FWD AI Lab in Singapore. This strategic initiative is poised to significantly advance innovation within the insurance industry by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data science capabilities. The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, underscoring FWD’s commitment to digital transformation and customer-centric solutions.
The FWD AI Lab is designed to function as a Center of Excellence (CoE), focusing on the development and deployment of both conventional AI and generative AI technologies. Its primary objective is to address critical opportunities and challenges across the insurance landscape. Key areas of focus include enhancing personalized product recommendations, streamlining underwriting processes, improving claims handling and fraud detection, and optimizing agent recruitment and training programs.
By 2027, the lab aims for ambitious targets, including the delivery of hundreds of AI models and the creation of PhD-level agentic AI systems. To achieve these goals, FWD Group plans to collaborate extensively with leading academic and research institutions, notably the National University of Singapore.
This significant investment is bolstered by the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), aligning with Singapore’s broader National AI Strategy (NAIS 2.0). The collaboration highlights Singapore’s growing reputation as a hub for AI innovation and its commitment to fostering advanced technological development across various industries.
Yao Yu Hui, FWD’s Group Chief Data Officer, emphasized the company’s vision, stating, ‘At FWD, we believe in the transformative power of digital innovation, AI, and responsible technology leadership to redefine the insurance experience. By tapping into innovation ecosystems and exceptional talent across our markets, we’re building the capabilities to deliver more personalised and simpler customer journeys.’
Chen Yiwen, Vice President of the EDB, welcomed FWD’s new venture, noting, ‘FWD’s new lab joins a growing community of AI CoEs across different industries in Singapore. These AI CoEs help companies drive business transformation and unlock new opportunities through responsible AI adoption.’
Also Read:
- Applied Systems Unveils Advanced AI Solutions to Revolutionize Insurance Agency Operations
- Singapore’s Cybersecurity Landscape Embraces AI Amidst Evolving Threats
FWD Group has been on an AI journey since 2019, with nearly 200 active AI models and over 600 use cases already integrated into its operations. The establishment of the Singapore AI Lab represents a significant escalation of these efforts, aiming to further embed AI seamlessly across the entire insurance value chain and enhance its ‘AI everywhere’ approach.
